Book for three events in the Back to the 80s series and receive 10% discount on the price of your tickets. Book here to receive discount.

Strikes and stoppages, mostly short and often unofficial, used to be a normal feature of British industrial relations. The 1980s witnessed a shift in the balance of power. Despite the era-defining conflicts such as those in the coal and print industries, government constraints on trade union activity alongside changes in labour and labour relations led to a sharp decline in industrial action. Did these changes inaugurate a less adversarial approach to conflict resolution or did they throttle unions and restrict workers rights? Looking back to the past and considering the present, what have strikes achieved? Are they essential solidarity or collective militancy? With our panel consider the changing climate of industrial relations in Britain.

Speakers include John Hendy QC, Sarah Veale CBE (TUC) and Mark Clarke (Chief Executive, Trade Union Reform Campaign). The event will be chaired by Ed Sweeney (Chair of Acas).
Further speakers to be announced.

Reminiscence: Share your 1980s memories with usCome along before the event from 6.30pm - 7.15pm and share your memories and photographs with us. Whether it's music or Margaret Thatcher, politics or pride, we would love to hear from you. There will also be the opportunity for your thoughts and mementos to feature in our next corridor display. Alternatively, you can email your memories of the 1980s to us.